Men’s Style: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Body Type

The Golden Rule: Just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s for you.

I’m a huge believer in dressing for your body type simply for the reason that it’s going to make you look better instantly. Simple things like tucking your shirt in, wearing the right length, opting for a certain direction of stripe can do wonders for things like making you appear taller, have your shoulders look more broad, and give an illusion of a V-shape to your body.

In the guides, I’ve allowed you to filter information by body type, so you can skip what’s not applicable to you and focus on what is. If you feel you are in-between two body types, feel free to select both. I don’t expect every man in the world to fit into these categories, but take your best guess as to which one applies to you and check out the tips.

 TRIANGLE

Triangle men are defined by their narrow chest and shoulders, and wider hips and waist. Triangle men can have sloping shoulders as well. Whether it’s aging or just your love for beer, men can fall into this shape easily. The goal with clothing is to broaden up the shoulders and chest, make the stomach appear slimmer and balance out the lower body with the upper body.

Key Factors:
  • Narrow Chest and Shoulders
  • Larger Around the Waist and Hips
  • Hips are Wider Than Shoulders

Goal: Broaden up shoulders and create a taper from chest to waist with clothing.

Examples:

Photo Credit: Pinterest, The Sun, Getty Images

INVERTED TRIANGLE

Inverted Triangles are the guys that hit the gym more often than not. They have broad muscular shoulders and a narrow waist. Muscular thighs and legs also come with the package.

Key Factors:

  • Broad and Muscular Shoulders
  • Narrow Waist
  • Muscular Arms and Legs

Goal: Make sure the upper body doesn’t look huge compared to the lower body.

Examples:

Photo Credit: Pinterest, Men’s Fitness, Pinterest

RECTANGLE

Men with a rectangular body shape usually have a straight upper body. The shoulders are roughly the same width as their waist and hips, making a straight line. There is a range from slim men to athletic men who have this shape.

Key Factors:

  • Slim Shape
  • Straight Line From Chest to Hips
  • Can Be Considered “Tall and Lanky”

Goal: Add some bulk and shape to the top half of the body by create an illusion of a “v” shape.

Examples:

Photo Credit: MTV UK, GQ, H&M

OVAL

Ovals carry weight in their upper body, specifically at the chest and stomach area. Some men are naturally rounder, while other men can become this shape with age.

Key Factors:

  • Bigger Stomach and Chest
  • Round Shape
  • Slimmer Legs and Shoulders in Comparison to Torso

Goal: Balance out the upper and lower body.

Examples:

Photo Credit: Notoriously Dapper, Star Now, Esquire

TRAPEZOID

Clothing designers design for this shape because it can be considered desirable and “average”. The shoulders are the broadest part, while there is a slight taper going down to the waist. The legs are defined and lean.

Key Factors:

  • The waist is the narrowest point in the upper body
  • The rib cage widens steadily up to the collarbone and shoulders
  • Muscles are defined, but not overtly athletic

Goal: Work with clothes that define the body to show off the shape.

Examples:

Photo Credit: Pacific Coast News, Pinterest, Canal Masculino

There you have it, the common body types amongst men. It’s understandable that not every man in the world fits into these shapes. If you feel you are between two body types, you can read the advice for both body types in the guides. The body type tips are there to help you look your best by working with your body and ensuring your clothes fit you properly.

 

Published by

Supreet Chahal

Supreet is from San Francisco, CA. She is passionate about self-growth, healing, music, traveling and fashion. She helps people discover their true and authentic selves through healing and personal style. Check out StyleBySupreet.com to get styled or SupreetChahal.com for self care guidance.

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